Elliott readies Aintree runners Gordon Elliott today reports Backstage in “very good form” ahead of the gelding’s bid to win the Aintree Grand National on Saturday. Elliott, who trained Silver Birch to win the Aintree showpiece in 2007, said “Backstage is in very god form and has schooled well and if he jumps around safely, we’ll be hopeful of sneaking some prizemoney.” Backstage is to be joined on Thursday by stablemates both Carlito Brigante (see earlier story) and Tharawaat. Regarding Tharawaat, which runs in the Grade 2 Totepool Manifesto Novice Chase, Elliott says “he is in good form but looks up against it and has it all to do on form.” Tom Weekes
